The 26-year-old, who joined Cardiff from Brighton two years ago, has been a big miss for the Bluebirds who have started the season in reasonable form despite his absence.

Saturday’s clash with Fulham is too soon for the exciting winger, but he will hand his Norwegian manager a big boost by being available for the visit of Norwich to the Welsh capital on September 13.

“Nooney is back in training, he did a full session more or less, so that is positive,” said Solskjaer.

“He’s not in contention for Fulham, I can’t risk that. But he will be fine after the international break.

“We really missed him at the end of last season after he got injured against Everton. He’s been outstanding for me when he plays. He makes an impact.

“He can go inside or outside. He puts crosses in and he scores goals. Getting him back is like signing a £7m or £8m player as far as I’m concerned. In this league he will create so many chances and he will score goals.”

Noone’s time at Cardiff has been disrupted by his groin problem, but following an operation, Solskjaer insists the injury concerns have now abated.

The Cardiff manager added: “He looks strong, all the scans and tests have been really positive and mentally Craig is really positive now too. He feels very confident that the surgery has sorted it.”

It looks like the Bluebirds will also be without Aron Gunnarsson for the clash at Craven Cottage after he limped off with an ankle injury in the defeat at Wolves last time out in the league. Kagisho Dikgacoi, who played 90 minutes in Cardiff’s Capital One Cup win at Port Vale midweek, could be poised for his first Championship start for his new side in place of the Icelander.

Midfielder Mats Daehli, who missed Wolves and Port Vale, is fit again after a knock, but centre-half Ben Turner could still be two months away from action after surgery on an ankle problem picked up in the Bluebirds preseason friendly at Yeovil.

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